November 19, 2011

I am so proud of myself today! I ran a 5K race in 36 minutes and 10 seconds. This was my first race and though I didn’t practice as much as I wanted to, I think I did great. Running might be my new thing. Now, I can mark off running in a race on my list of “29 Before 30.”

November 13, 2011

Supplies: Pin-backs that match your occasion, tape, toothpicks, and of course cupcakes! 1. Grad a toothpick and tape it behind a pin-back button. 2. Now, insert topper into cupcake. The cool thing about using pin-backs as toppers is that your guests get two treats – the cupcake and a pin!

Belle and her guests had a great time. Belle even showed them the tricks she knows how to do. She got lots of toys and couldn’t decide which one to play with. She would pick one up then drop it to get another one. She looked extremely happy that I’m tempted to throw her another one.

November 9, 2011

I always come up with these great creative ideas but I never have time to sit down and execute them. Well, I’ve had this idea for a pillow with pockets on the back made out of my old jeans and I finally got it done! I went over to my buddy’s Christi’s house from book club and she helped me make a pillow for my dad’s birthday, since I haven’t sewn in a very long time.

To make the pillow, I purchased a pillow form, fabric with printed tools on eBay, Velcro, my old denim jeans, and an iron on “Made with love by” tag. I got fabric with tools on it because my dad is a tool man, he can fix and make anything, and if he doesn’t know how to do it he teaches himself. I attached Velcro to the pillow in case it gets dirty, making it easy to remove from the pillow form to wash. I used the bottom legs of my jeans to make the pockets. I embroidered “tu guera” on the “Made with love by” tag, which means your white girl in Spanish. I drew a remote control using the back of a box and tucked it in the skinny pocket so he knows he can keep it there. No more, “Where is the remote control?” My hubby shipped my dad’s gift two days ago. I can’t wait to hear how much he loves his gift!

I had a blast making this pillow that I’m going to make a firefighter themed one for my hubby and a Day of the Dead one for myself for Christmas. When I read at night I can put my book in the big pocket and my cell in the little pocket instead of the floor, before I go to sleep.

November 8, 2011

I just finished reading “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard. The book is a true story, a memoir, of Jaycee Dugard, who was taken at age eleven in 1991 and was raped, manipulated, and bore two children of her abductor. After eighteen years she was reunited with her family in 2009. I give the book three stars. It’s a difficult read in the beginning as Jaycee goes into detail on how her abductor, Phillip Garrido, rapes her. Obviously, we know that Jaycee returns home and that’s what motivated me to continue reading, waiting for the moment when she is finally free. Though, I felt she rushed describing the part when she was free from her abductors and I had to read that section twice. I did get upset with Jaycee as I read the book because I saw many opportunities when she could have escaped, but then again I had to remember that she was young when she was taken and manipulated by a sick man. This book left me feeling grateful for the freedom I have in my life. I will always think of Jaycee Dugard when I see a pinecone.

November 1, 2011

Day of the Dead also known as Dia de los Muertos in Spanish is a very significant holiday for me. I didn’t learn about this holiday from my mother who is from Guadalajara, Mexico, where they do celebrate Day of the Dead. I learn about it in college from my Latino History class and my Printmaking teacher, Joe Moran, who sadly passed away this year.

Day of the Dead is a celebration for the dead. It’s celebrating the life of our past loved ones and being happy that we had the pleasure to have them in our life. Every year I put up a Day of the Dead altar. Most of my decorations came from Guadalajara, Mexico. My mom bought them for me when she visited her hometown a few years ago. Putting up my altar is an emotional process for me. It reminds me of how much I miss my uncle, grandparents, and other important people that have influenced my life and reminds me of the memories we shared together. And, yes I do lots of crying. They’re tears of sadness and joy.